Why Choose Us

"New Start, New Future", Nu Start was established to support children and young people at times of risk, instability and transition, where standard approaches are no longer sufficient. We work alongside Local Authorities and partner agencies to deliver calm, structured and proportionate support that strengthens safeguarding, reduces escalation and creates the conditions for safe, sustainable progress.

Nu Start provides children’s homes, specialist support and crisis intervention services for children and young people at times of risk, instability and transition. We work alongside Local Authorities to stabilise situations, reduce escalation and support safe, positive outcomes.

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  • Safe

    Safeguarding sits at the centre of everything we do. We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, particularly at times of heightened risk, instability or crisis.

  • Meticulous

    Attention to detail is essential when working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, instability or multiple placements. We take risk assessment, safeguarding and planning seriously to ensure decisions are defensible and in the child’s best interests.

  • Accountable

    We recognise our responsibility to children, Local Authorities and the public. Our work is delivered with clear oversight, professional boundaries and accountability for both decisions and outcomes.

  • Responsive

    We respond quickly and proportionately to changing situations, recognising that risk and need can escalate rapidly. Our approach is flexible, informed and grounded in real-world practice.

  • Transparent

    We work openly with Local Authorities, professionals, children and families. Clear communication, shared understanding and honest dialogue are central to how we operate.

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Research Informed Practice

Our SMART framework — Safe, Meticulous, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent — provides a clear and consistent structure for how we assess, plan and respond when supporting children and young people at risk.

It brings together safeguarding, professional judgement and research-informed practice to support ethical, proportionate decision-making. The framework is applied across all services to guide assessment, intervention and review, particularly during periods of heightened risk, instability or crisis.

Our practice is shaped by frontline experience and ongoing research, including doctoral-level study into how children’s voices are understood and acted upon during high-risk and crisis decision-making within children’s services. This strengthens participation, improves safeguarding and supports clearer planning and more sustainable outcomes.

Our Services

For any other queries , please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you would like to discuss a referral, please contact our referrals department on 077 42 42 71 71 or email referrals@nustart.org.uk